Stag Beetle

The name is derived from the large and distinctive mandibles found on the males that resemble the antlers of stags. It is the largest terrestrial insect in Europe. Males use their jaws to wrestle each other for favored mating sites in a manner that parallels the way stags fight over females.

Has large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects in the world capable of attaining speeds of more than 40 miles per hour. They are important predators that eat mosquitoes, and other small insects like flies, bees, ants and wasps. They are usually found around marshes, lakes, ponds, streams, and wetlands.

The name comes from the Greek word meaning prophet because they appear to be praying when their forelegs are clasped together. They are carnivorous and are equipped with sharp spines along their front legs to grasp prey. The mantis is a very unique insect in that it can turn its head 180 degrees, has only one ear and some are large enough to capture humming birds.